Construction / Plumber License / Vermont
- Vermont
- Plumber License
- Journeyman & Master
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Vermont Plumber License
Vermont licenses specialist, journeyman and master plumbers through the Division of Fire Safety. Here’s how to qualify, which exams you’ll take and what it takes to renew.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Vermont Division of Fire Safety requirements
Application fee
$90–$120
Journeyman $90, master $120; plus $80 per ProV exam
Exam time
3 hrs
Journeyman theory exam, plus a practical
Time to get license
4,000 hrs
On-the-job training plus 144 hrs of instruction (Journeyman)
Continuing ed
8 hrs
Each licensing period, before renewal
Overview
Do you need a Vermont plumber license?
Yes. Plumbing work in Vermont is licensed by the Division of Fire Safety. Journeymen work under a master plumber, and masters can run a plumbing business and hire other plumbers.
License required when
- You install plumbing, water treatment or heating specialties as a journeyman
- You run a plumbing business or install plumbing systems as a master
- You hire or employ people to do plumbing work
- You supervise journeyman or apprentice plumbers
Common exceptions
- Our sources don’t list exemptions from plumbing licensing, so check with the Division of Fire Safety before doing any unlicensed work
- Licensed master plumbers can do all specialist work without getting a separate specialist license
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list penalty amounts. The Division of Fire Safety enforces Vermont’s plumbing licensing rules and can act against people who do licensed work without a license.
Your fast-track Vermont plumber license checklist
The Vermont application, one page
- Apprenticeship certificate, out-of-state license, or documented training hours
- Affidavits for on-the-job hours from a P1/P2 specialist or master plumber
- Exam pre-approval from the testing agency
- Passing plumbing theory exam score
- Passing practical exam score
- Application submitted to the Division of Fire Safety
Types
Vermont plumber license types and classifications
Most plumbers start as journeymen and move up to master after at least a year. Specialist licenses cover narrower kinds of work.
JRY
Most common
Journeyman Plumber
Installs plumbing and water treatment or heating specialties under the direction of a master plumber. Can supervise an apprentice employed by a master.
Exam
Theory + practical
Limit
Under a master
MST
Top tier
Master Plumber
Runs a plumbing business, installs plumbing systems, hires plumbers and supervises journeymen and apprentices. Can do all specialist work too.
Exam
Theory + practical
Limit
Full scope
SPC
Limited scope
Specialist
Specialist licenses, such as P1 and P2, cover narrower work. Our sources don’t detail their requirements, so check with the Division.
Exam
Not stated
Limit
Specialty work
Requirements
Vermont plumber license requirements, class by class
Each license has a few ways to qualify. You only need to meet one path, and then pass both the theory and practical exams.
| Requirement | Journeyman | Master |
|---|---|---|
| Path 1 | Certificate of Completion from the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council | Licensed as a Vermont journeyman for at least 12 months |
| Path 2 | Out-of-state license or completed apprenticeship acceptable to the board | Licensed out of state for 1 year at a level equal to a Vermont journeyman |
| Path 3 | 4,000 hrs on-the-job training (affidavits from a P1/P2 specialist or master) + 144 hrs of instruction | At least 14,000 hrs of instruction, training and experience acceptable to the board |
| Exams | Plumbing Theory + Practical | Plumbing Theory + Practical |
| Theory exam questions | 83 | 102 |
| Continuing ed | 8 hrs per renewal | 8 hrs per renewal |
Steps
How to get your Vermont plumber license, step by step
- Build your training and hoursBefore you apply
Finish a Vermont State Apprenticeship Council program, or log 4,000 on-the-job hours plus 144 hours of instruction. Masters need at least 12 months as a Vermont journeyman or an equal path. - Get exam pre-approvalBefore scheduling
Pre-approval is required from the testing agency before you can schedule your exams. - Schedule with ProvBefore exam day
Contact Prov at 866-720-7768 to book your exams. - Pass the theory and practical examsExam day
The journeyman theory exam is open book: 83 questions, 3 hours, 70% to pass. You also take a practical exam. - Apply through the Division of Fire SafetyAfter your exams
Submit your application through the Vermont Division of Fire Safety. - Keep up with continuing edEach renewal
Complete 8 hours of continuing education each licensing period before you renew.
Exam
What to expect on the Vermont plumber exam
Every applicant takes a plumbing theory exam and a practical exam. The theory exams are open book, and you can tab and highlight the approved references.
Format
Open book + practical
Questions
83 (JRY) / 102 (MST)
Passing score
70% (JRY)
Exam vendor
Prov
Scoring & content
- Journeyman: 83 questions, 3 hours, 70% to pass
- Master: 102 questions; time and passing score not stated in our sources
- Topics include plumbing math, fixtures, water heaters, water supply, drainage, venting, traps and interceptors, storm drainage, isometrics and safety
- References include the 2024 International Plumbing Code and the State of Vermont Plumbing Rules
Retake policy
- Retake fees are the same as the original $80 exam fee
- Pre-approval from the testing agency is required before scheduling
- Testing centers are in larger cities around the state
- Check with Prov for current scheduling and retake rules
Exam references · Open book
Vermont’s Journeyman and Master Plumber exams are open book: the references below can be tabbed, highlighted and used during the test.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) | 2024 | Allowed in exam |
| Basic Safety | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| State of Vermont Plumbing Rules | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
The Vermont Plumbing Rules are a free state document you print and bring to the exam.
Prep
Best Vermont plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Vermont plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| License application | Fixed | $90 journeyman · $120 master · $50 per specialist field |
| Theory exam (Prov) | Fixed | $80 |
| Practical exam | Fixed | Not stated |
| Code books and references | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Journeyman application and theory exam; excludes the practical exam, code books and retakes | $170 |
Fees from the Division of Fire Safety plumbing license application, 26 V.S.A. § 2193, the Vermont Plumbing Rules and the Prov candidate bulletin, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Vermont accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
Vermont has no reciprocity agreements for plumbing licenses. Out-of-state licenses and apprenticeships can still count toward qualifying, but you take the Vermont exams.
No reciprocity agreements
Apply as a new applicant. The board may accept your out-of-state license or apprenticeship toward eligibility, and you still pass the Vermont theory and practical exams.
Local
Do Vermont cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
Your plumbing license comes from the state and covers all of Vermont. Local governments still handle the job-site side.
State handles
- Specialist, journeyman and master plumber licenses (Division of Fire Safety)
- The Vermont Plumbing Rules
- Exam pre-approval, with testing through Prov
- Continuing education for renewal
City & county handle
- Local permits where required
- Inspections
- Local business licenses
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in Vermont
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues specialist, journeyman and master plumber licenses
- Publishes the State of Vermont Plumbing Rules
- Decides which out-of-state licenses and training are acceptable
- Sets continuing education for renewal
Maintenance
How to renew your Vermont plumber license and keep it active
Vermont plumbing licenses run for two years. Renewal costs $90 for journeymen, $120 for masters and $50 per specialist field, and you need 8 hours of continuing education each licensing period. A lapsed license can be renewed within 90 days for an extra $15.
Renewal cycle
2 years
CE hours
8
Renewal fee
$90–$120
Late penalty
$15 (within 90 days)
Renewing your license?
See the Vermont CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
Vermont plumber license FAQs
How do I become a journeyman plumber in Vermont?
Finish a Vermont State Apprenticeship Council program, or log 4,000 on-the-job hours plus 144 hours of instruction. Then pass the plumbing theory and practical exams.
How long before I can get a Vermont master plumber license?
You need at least 12 months as a licensed Vermont journeyman, 1 year of equal out-of-state licensure, or at least 14,000 hours of instruction, training and experience the board accepts.
Is the Vermont plumbing exam open book?
Yes. The theory exams are open book. The journeyman exam has 83 questions, takes 3 hours and needs 70% to pass.
Can a master plumber do specialist work?
Yes. Licensed master plumbers can do all specialist work without a separate specialist license.
Does Vermont have plumbing license reciprocity?
No. Vermont has no reciprocity agreements, though the board may accept out-of-state licensure or apprenticeship toward eligibility. You still take the Vermont exams.
How much continuing education do Vermont plumbers need?
8 hours each licensing period, completed before you renew.
How much does a Vermont plumber license cost?
The application fee is $90 for a journeyman, $120 for a master and $50 per specialist field. Each Prov exam costs $80 on top of that.
Sources
Official sources for the Vermont plumber license
- Vermont Division of Fire Safety, Plumbing licensing
- State of Vermont Plumbing Rules (PDF)
- Prov, exam scheduling
- Vermont Division of Fire Safety, Plumbers License Application (PDF)
- Vermont Statutes, 26 V.S.A. § 2193, fees
- Prov, Vermont Division of Fire Safety Candidate Information Bulletin (PDF)
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Vermont Division of Fire Safety.